Giant Swallowtail

Photo of a Giant Swallowtail, Wings Spread
Scientific Name
Papilio cresphontes
Family
Papilionidae (swallowtails)
Description

The giant swallowtail is the largest butterfly in Missouri. The overall color of wings (top side) and body is dark blackish brown, with bands composed of several yellow spots. There is a yellow spot at the tip of each hindwing “tail.” The undersides of wings are primarily yellow, with black, blue, and red markings. There are yellow stripes on the abdomen.

The caterpillars vary depending on stage of development. They mimic bird droppings. Overall, the coloring is brown with grayish-white markings, a patch at the end of the abdomen, and a wide saddle mark of the same color in center of the body. The osmeterium (a paired, hornlike appendage that protrudes when the larva is disturbed) is pinkish or red.

Size

Wingspan: 3¾ to 5½ inches.

Where To Find
image of Giant Swallowtail Distribution Map

Statewide.

People usually see giant swallowtails in gardens, fields, and open woods. Adults are avid flower visitors and are sometimes found at mud puddles. To avoid predation, young stages of larvae resemble bird droppings, and older stages look more like little snakes and are also camouflaged against tree bark.

Larvae feed on a members of the citrus family (Rutaceae); in our state, favorite host trees are hop tree (Ptelea trifoliata) and prickly ash (Xanthoxylum americanum); also reared from gas plant (false dittany; genus Dictamnus). In southern states, the larvae are called “orange dogs” because they are pests on citrus crops. Adults drink flower nectar and take moisture and nutrients from puddles and damp ground.

Breeding resident found in all regions of the state. Some scientists consider the western form of this insect a separate species and call it the western giant swallowtail (Papilio rumiko). If you go along with this idea, then our form would be called the eastern giant swallowtail (keeping its same scientific name, P. cresphontes).

There are two broods a year, with adults flying from April to October. Females deposit eggs singly on host plants. Giant swallowtails overwinter as chrysalids.

This largest butterfly in Canada and the United States is a welcome, striking visitor in butterfly gardens. In southern states, the caterpillars are crop pests in citrus orchards.

The caterpillars are herbivores that graze on vegetation. The adults serve a role in pollination. All stages provide food for predators.

Media Gallery
Photo of a Giant Swallowtail, Wings Spread
The giant swallowtail is the largest butterfly in our state. In Florida, the caterpillars are a pest in citrus orchards, but here in Missouri, they feed primarily on prickly ash and hop tree, plants provided by nature.
Donna Brunet
1/9
Photo of a Giant Swallowtail, Wings Folded
The undersides of a giant swallowtail's wings are primarily yellow, with black, blue, and red markings. There are yellow stripes on the abdomen.
Donna Brunet
2/9
Giant Swallowtail Caterpillar
The larvae of giant swallowtails resemble bird droppings — an adaption to deter predation.
Noppadol Paothong
3/9
Image of giant swallowtail nectaring on a yellow composite flower
Adult giant swallowtails are avid flower visitors and are sometimes found at mud puddles.
4/9
A large black butterfly with yellow stripes on a package of bedding plants.
Submitted by Karen Davis
5/9
A very large butterfly with large yellow spots on black wings collects pollen from a vinca.
Submitted by Curtis Waguespack
6/9
Giant swallowtail caterpillar feeding on a leaf
The older stages of giant swallowtail caterpillars look like little snakes and are also camouflaged against tree bark This is a fairly old caterpillar, no doubt nearing its time for pupation.
Noppadol Paothong
7/9
Giant swallowtail caterpillar feeding on a leaf
To avoid predation, young stages of giant swallowtail caterpillars resemble bird droppings. This is a fairly young caterpillar.
Noppadol Paothong
8/9
Giant swallowtail chrysalis attached to upright twig
As with other swallowtail species, giant swallowtail pupae are attached to an upright surface with a secure patch of silk at the base, while a loop of silk attached to the midsection allows the pupa to swing slightly side to side.
Noppadol Paothong
9/9
Photo of a Giant Swallowtail, Wings Spread
Photo of a Giant Swallowtail, Wings Folded
Giant Swallowtail Caterpillar
Image of giant swallowtail nectaring on a yellow composite flower
A large black butterfly with yellow stripes on a package of bedding plants.
A very large butterfly with large yellow spots on black wings collects pollen from a vinca.
Giant swallowtail caterpillar feeding on a leaf
Giant swallowtail caterpillar feeding on a leaf
Giant swallowtail chrysalis attached to upright twig
Similar Species
About Butterflies and Moths in Missouri
Butterflies, skippers, and moths belong to an insect order called the Lepidoptera — the "scale-winged" insects. These living jewels have tiny, overlapping scales that cover their wings like shingles. The scales, whether muted or colorful, seem dusty if they rub off on your fingers. Many butterflies and moths are associated with particular types of food plants, which their caterpillars must eat in order to survive.
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